Have you read “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles? If you have, then you might be wondering if Odile is a real person.
The novel tells the story of Odile Souchet, a librarian at the American Library in Paris during World War II. While the book is a work of fiction, it is based on true events and real people.
The American Library in Paris
The American Library in Paris was founded in 1920 by the American Library Association to serve English-speaking expatriates living in Paris. The library quickly became a hub of intellectual activity and attracted famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein.
During World War II, the library played a crucial role in helping Allied soldiers and civilians. It also became a center for resistance activity against the Nazi occupiers. The librarians risked their lives to smuggle books and information to resistance fighters and Jewish refugees.
Odile Souchet
In “The Paris Library,” Odile Souchet is a fictional character based on several real people who worked at the library during World War II. One of these people was Dorothy Reeder, an American librarian who joined the staff in 1937.
Reeder was responsible for creating a special collection for soldiers that included books on military tactics, history, and language. She also organized cultural events for soldiers such as poetry readings and musical performances.
Another librarian who inspired Odile’s character was Jocelyn Godefroy de Tonnac, a Frenchman who worked at the library from 1928 until his death in 1960. Godefroy de Tonnac was an important member of the resistance movement and helped smuggle books and information to Allied soldiers.
- Other real-life librarians who inspired characters in “The Paris Library” include:
- – Irène Némirovsky, a Russian-French writer who volunteered at the library and was deported to Auschwitz where she died in 1942
- – Elsa Triolet, a French writer and resistance fighter who worked at the library during the war
- – Michel Saint-Denis, a French actor and director who also worked at the library and used it as a base for his resistance activities
The Importance of Libraries During Wartime
Libraries have always played an important role in providing access to information and promoting literacy. During times of war, libraries become even more crucial as they provide soldiers with a connection to their homes and families.
In addition to being a source of entertainment, libraries also offer valuable resources for military personnel. They can learn new skills, improve their language abilities, and read about the history and culture of the places where they are stationed.
During World War II, libraries like the American Library in Paris became centers for resistance activity. Librarians risked their lives to smuggle books and information to resistance fighters and Jewish refugees.
The Legacy of “The Paris Library”
“The Paris Library” is an important work of historical fiction that sheds light on the bravery of librarians during World War II. By highlighting the stories of real people like Dorothy Reeder and Jocelyn Godefroy de Tonnac, Janet Skeslien Charles brings attention to their heroic efforts to protect intellectual freedom during wartime.
The book also serves as a reminder of the importance of libraries in our communities. They are more than just buildings filled with books; they are places where we can learn, connect with others, and discover new ideas.
In conclusion, while Odile Souchet is not a real person in “The Paris Library,” she is based on several real-life librarians who worked at the American Library in Paris during World War II. Their bravery and dedication to intellectual freedom should be an inspiration to us all.